When most people think of fur coats, they imagine luxurious items with a high price tag. But what makes these coats so expensive? Is it the materials used? The craftsmanship? The brand?

Many factors go into the fabrication of a new jacket. Fur pelts play a role, but so does the craftsmanship of assembling the coat.

We’re going to take a closer look at why fur coats are so costly and see if the price is worth it. However, If you ever tried on a new jacket, then you know it’s worth every penny.

The typical cost of a fur coat.

These luxurious pieces of clothing can come with a steep price tag, but why? One reason is that the cost of a garment depends mainly on its construction. While furs contribute to the costs (more on that later), a significant contributor is the craftsmanship that goes into each jacket or coat.

One of the most expensive fur coats is a chinchilla. Some of these coats can fetch upwards of $20,000 to $100,000 in some cases. Of course, it’s one of the softest and plush furs you’ll ever feel, but that’s not why it’s expensive. It’s the fur itself and the work that goes into making the coat costly. Chinchilla fur is very fragile, and it requires an expert furrier to craft a beautiful garment. That skill compounded by the time it takes to create it goes into the overall cost.

Another option that might be more economical is mink. They’re one of the most common furs used in coats and accessories. Why? Well, they’re substantially less expensive compared to other furs such as chinchilla and sable. This is because the fur is more plentiful and easier to work with.

The process of creating a timeless garment.

The process of creating a luxurious piece is where the costs originate from.

To start the process, the furrier much first acquire the type of fur they will make the jacket from. Whether this is chinchilla, mink, fox, sable, alpaca, or a different kind of fur, they need to source enough fur of the same type to make the perfect garment.

Some furs come in smaller pelts so they’ll need more of them to make the coat. Others might be larger and not require nearly as many. For example, a chinchilla coat will need around 200 pelts and a fox coat will need approximately 15. Sourcing that many pelts will add to the costs.

Once the furs are on hand, the furrier must prepare the hair for use. This involves cleaning, drying, softening, and possibly dying the fur to the right color. All of these tasks are necessary to make the fur usable for assembly.

Now that the furrier has the furs on hand, they have to assemble the style of coat they’re going for. In addition to the style, whether full length or a stroller, they also have to decide how they’re going to stitch the fur together. They might opt for the skin-on-skin method, which is a bit more traditional and doesn’t take as long, therefore costs less, or they might opt for the letting-out method which takes longer and more skill, making the coat cost even more.

Luxurious furs.

As we discussed, the furrier needs the pelts on hand to start the process. This is the initial cost of the coat and one of the main reasons fur coats are so expensive. Because fur pelts are costly!

A fox pelt, for example, can go for around $50 per pelt. However, a furrier that makes many products might get a discount for buying pelts in bulk. That might not seem like much, but remember they need between 15 and 30 hides to make a coat. Those costs add up.

Mink isn’t too far off from fox as they go for around $50-$60 per pelt. Instead of 15 pelts, though, they need approximately 50 pelts to make a coat. When you add all of that up, that’s over $3,000 in just pelts alone. Other materials are also needed, such as a liner, so keep that in mind when considering the cost of a luxury jacket.

Master craftsmanship.

The biggest reason fur coats are so expensive is the expertise and master craftsmanship of each jacket. Sure, the pelts themselves are costly as shown above, but that is nothing compared to the intensive labor and skill hours that go into each piece.

Depending on the size, style, and type of coat the furrier makes, they can pour up to 100 hours into each one. Rates may vary from furrier to furrier, primarily dictated by their experience. Even at a rate of $50 per hour, as an example, that comes out to $5,000. However, expert furriers can command rates up to $125 per hour.

The cost is worth it, however. It takes a steady hand and expert understanding of fur to create a beautiful and masterfully glamorous coat. When you throw a new mink jacket on the first time, you feel the luxury on your skin. The soft and smooth feel of the fur is why people are willing to pay so much for these coats.

Although the initial costs are pretty high, remember that this coat will last you a lifetime. You can wear it season after season, year after year, and still enjoy its design every time you put it on. Although it’s expensive when purchased new, it’s cost-effective in the long run.

And that, my friends, is why fur coats are so expensive. If you’re willing to plop down $5,000 for a gorgeous new mink stroller or $50,000 for a full-length chinchilla piece, then by all means go right ahead. Just know why you’re dropping those big bucks on your new look – you’re paying for quality, comfort, and a style that cannot be matched.

You’re in the market for a new coat to keep you warm throughout the chilly winter months; however, you’ve found yourself on the fence between a glamorous wool coat or a luxurious fur jacket. But which one is better and which do you choose?

In the end, it comes down to personal preference of style and which you think will work better for different situations.

We will discuss each of these materials and some of their advantages. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll have a good idea of what works best for you and your taste.

What is wool?

Sometimes known as fleece, cashmere, or tweed, wool is a natural fabric from the soft undercoat of sheep and other animals.

Man has used wool to make clothes for thousands of years. Its dense and insulating properties kept people warm long before it became fashionable.

Many people love wool because it is made without harming an animal. That’s right. The wool is pulled from the animal using an electric shearing razor. Many people love that they’re sustainably getting a natural material.

Wool is perfect for coats because it is a natural insulator. The dense fibers of the wool keep the heat in, which is ideal for keeping you warm in the winter. Wool is also water-resistant, which helps to keep you dry in the rain.

One of the most common uses of wool is in socks, shirts, and coats. However, it is also sometimes used in sweaters or gloves.

So, you’re convinced wool is excellent and might be what you’re after, but how does it stack up to fur?

What is fur?

Fur is a natural fabric that comes from the skin of animals. It is most commonly used to make coats, hats, gloves, and other clothing items. Fur consists of long animal hairs that provide protection and warmth.

Like its wool counterpart, furs have also been used to keep people warm for millennia. These days it’s just as much as a fashion statement as it is practical in keeping you warm.

Fur does, unlike wool, require entire animal pelts to create a garment. Depending on the type of fur, it can take many hides to make a single fur coat.

Fur is most commonly used for coats, hats, gloves, and other articles of clothing. Furs are also used to make trim, ornaments, and other decorative items.

The versatility, style, and insulating properties make fur highly sought after.

What makes wool better than fur?

The ability of wool to keep you warm even when it’s wet is one of its most significant advantages over other materials, including fur.

This is due to its excellent absorbency, which allows it to retain moisture for longer than other textiles before you notice dampness.

Wool keeps you dry by removing moisture from your body and preventing cold, wet surfaces from touching your skin. This is also why, unlike fur, wool is used as some undergarments such as shirts or socks.

What makes fur better than wool?

While wool is excellent at keeping you warm even when it gets wet, fur still reigns supreme at keeping you warm in general.

One of the main reasons that fur is such a good insulator is that it is made up of tiny, close-together fibers spanning several layers, including down, awn, and guard hairs. Each of these layers serves a purpose in keeping you warm and protecting you from the elements.

These fibers create tiny air pockets between them, trap heat and keep you warm.

So, overall, one is not necessarily better than the other. Most of the time, people choose one over the other as a style preference but keep in mind that there are slight differences in how they perform.

Which is best for you?

This depends on what look you’re going for and, most of all, what type of garment you are seeking. There are great options in both wool and fur, but these two fabrics are different looks altogether.

The best way to choose the suitable fabric is by researching the functionality of each and the styles they’re used in.

Learning about both fabrics will help give you an idea of what would be best for different situations.

However, wool tends to be favored in most cases because it is much more versatile than fur. Wool can easily keep you warm during the winter months and breathe well during the summer heat.

While fur is usually what you want if you’re looking for a statement piece, such as a floor-length coat, cape, or scarf, fur is excellent at making you look and feel fabulous while keeping you warm on a winter walk.

Considering the pros and cons of both, they are both great options for clothing items.

However, which you choose is up to your style!

Wool is the fabric that most people are familiar with. It’s typically used for clothing, blankets, and other textiles in colder climates because it retains heat well even when wet.

On the other hand, fur is more of a statement piece- something you wear to make yourself look glamorous or stylish rather than keep warm.

Both fabrics have their benefits, however, so if you’re looking for warmth while still being able to stay fashionable, then either wool or fur will work out well for you.

Fur coats are a classic fashion staple for cold weather. Fur is warm and luxurious, but it also has many other benefits that make it worth the price tag.

From looking at your fur coat to feeling its texture, you can tell the difference between guard hairs and down hairs. Guard hairs offer better protection from the elements than down hair does, while down hair provides excellent insulation.

We’ll cover what the differences are between the different layers and hopefully help you make a better choice on which type of fur is right for you.

Knowing your fur is the basis for style.

To be a connoisseur of fur coats and accessories means you have to fully know and understand your fur; however, furrier language is complicated.

There are all types of jackets, vests, capes, accessories that come in various lengths and styles. To further complicate it there are numerous types of furs each with its own characteristics. That’s where the various components of fur come in.

There are three types of hairs in fur: Guard hairs, awn hairs, and down hairs. They all serve a different purpose and will greatly affect the style and feel of your glamourous garment.

As we explain the various layers of fur, we’ll start at the most exposed layer and work our way to the bottom, closest to the skin. With that, let’s go over guard hairs.

What are guard hairs and what do they do?

Guard hairs are the longer, coarser hairs that make up the outer coat of a fur-bearing animal. When you see the beautiful colors on an elegant blue fox jacket, you’re observing mostly the guard hairs. These are the most visible because they’re the longest and stand out compared to the awn and down hairs.

They primarily serve as a barrier against the elements, protecting the garment from wind, rain, and snow. Keep this in mind if you’re going for a versatile coat that is capable of withstanding harsher winter elements. You’ll want fur with pronounced guard hairs. One great example of a fur that has a highly protective layer of guard hairs is mink. Ever notice the glossy sheen on a mink stroller? Those are the guard hairs that repel water and snow keeping you as glamorous as ever.

Although not their primary purpose, guard hairs also play an important role in regulating temperature. They trap air close to the skin to help keep you warm on chilly days. Think of this layer of fur as the outer insulation.

However, as mentioned, these hairs are also the coarsest of the three. Sure, they’re still beautiful and soft, but the lower layers of fur are usually much softer.

What are awn hairs and what do they do?

Moving inward through the fur you’ll come across the awn hairs. This intermediate layer is a dual purpose as it plays a major role in protection much like the guard hairs and thermoregulation much like the down hairs; which we’ll cover shortly.

These furs tend to be shorter in length compared to guard hairs. You’ll notice these types of hairs as they may be slightly curled or wavy, but that can vary based on the conditioning of the coat as well.

The outer-most part of the awn hairs generally has better protective properties like being water repellent. Whereas the lower part of the fur acts as an insulator to help the down hairs keep you warm.

What are down hairs and what do they do?

Down hairs (sometimes referred to as underfur) are the shortest and finest hairs in a fur. They make up the inner layer of a fur and are responsible for keeping you warm. They are so effective at keeping you warm because they create a layer of air next to the coat that helps to insulate you from the cold.

These hairs are the most plentiful compared to awn and guard furs and are also generally flat, short, and curly. It’s these characteristics that keep the warmth. They keep numerous, tiny pockets of dry air that act as an insulator. It’s the layer of awn and guard hairs that keep this layer dry, helping with the insulation.

Are any furs better than the other?

Nope. The furs all play a vital role in protecting your jacket from the elements and keeping you warm. But you may find the characteristics of one layer more appealing than another.

There are some types of fur that only have only one or two of the three layers.

For example marsupials only have awn hairs, meaning you can get a luxurious possum fur jacket that only has awn hairs. Chinchilla on the other hand does not have guard hairs, but their awn and down hairs are so dense they have the densest fur of any land-based animals.

The various types of hairs have their own qualities, whether for protection or warmth. The real question is, what qualities do you want in a luxury fur stroller?

Choosing the type of fur that is best for you.

That is totally up to you. If you want a versatile coat that can handle the cold weather, go for a fur with pronounced guard hairs. Or if you want a coat that’s going to keep you really warm, choose one with lots of down hairs.

Just make sure to take into account what the coat is made of and how it will function for you. And, of course, always choose a high-quality coat from a reputable fur salon.

At first glance, the differences between guard hairs vs awn hairs vs down hairs can be confusing. But it’s important to understand which type of hair makes up your fur coat.

Guard hairs are the longest, coarsest hairs. They grow above the rest of your fur and help protect you from the elements. Awn hairs are next in line in terms of length, and they’re usually finer than guard hairs. They provide a good mix of protection and thermoregulation. Down hairs are the shortest and softest hairs on the garment and provide excellent insulation.

If you need help deciding on which fur is best for your wardrobe, we would love to help out. Give us a call or stop by our shop to speak with one of our expert furriers to find the perfect fur for your collection.

Fox fur is one of the most elegant and luxurious types of fur that you can find. It’s got a beautiful, fluffy look that people love. And it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for red fox fur or blue because there are so many different varieties out there to choose from.

But what makes this type so unique? Let’s take a closer look.

Fox fur has an average price point compared to other types of fur like mink and sable. It is excellent for those who want something that looks luxurious but also wants their coat to be affordable.

What color do you prefer? One thing about this type is the variety of colors. You can find fox fur in nearly every possible color. There are red, orange, yellow, brown, white, gray, and blue varieties.

We’re going to dive in and break down why fox is an ideal fur for you.

Elegance and class on a level of its own.

If you’re in the market for a new fur coat but have a limited spending budget, you’ll be excited to discover fox fur coats.

Fox furs are long and silky, with a lot of body to them. They also resist moths very well, so they keep their beauty for a long time before needing cleaning or repair. This makes them an attractive option if you’re looking for something that’s not too pricey but still looks classy.

Fox fur coats are also very popular with celebrities and other public figures. They’re easy to wear and care for, and they look rich and sophisticated when you put them on.

What makes up fox fur?

From the outer layer and working inward, fox fur has three layers: guard hairs, awn hairs, and down hairs.

Guard hairs provide a protective overcoat.

Guard hair forms the outer coat’s outer layer, which protects the undercoat at the root from the elements. When you touch them straight on, they have a rough texture to them. They’re also longer than the awn and down hairs, which make up about two-thirds of the fur’s total length.

Awn hairs provide protection and comfort.

The awn hair is a cross between down and guard hairs, connecting the two distinct types of hairs. Awn hairs being the intermediate hairs of the three, these hairs have two primary functions. Awn hairs provide a level of protection for the undercoat, just like the guard hairs, but also provide warmth and comfort like the down hairs.

Down hairs provide warmth and comfort.

The bottom or inner layer, known as underfur, comprises wavy or curly hairs with no distinct straight parts or sharp points. Down hairs, which are also flat, are the shortest and most numerous in the coat. The down hair’s primary function is warmth. It insulates a layer of dry air, making the coat comfortable and cozy.

What is fox fur used for?

Fox fur is one of the most widely used in the fashion industry. The fur is known for its luxurious feel, durability, and excellent color that will not fade over time.

You can find a whole range of items made from fox fur, including hats, boots, jackets, and vests. However, one of the most common uses of the pile is for trim and accenting items such as capes.

Whether it is a shearling or a lush mink coat, fox fur can accent these lush garments in the cuffs or the hood.

Is fox fur expensive?

Compared to other types of furs, the fox is relatively inexpensive. Now, this depends on various factors, but in general, it’s not as expensive.

Let’s use mink, for example. After all, mink is one of the most common types of furs out there. Fox is usually less expensive than mink because it takes just a fraction of the pelts required to make a mink coat than a fox coat. A fox fur coat might take five pelts, whereas a mink can take upwards of 33 pelts depending on the size and style.

Another factor that will determine the price of fox is the type of fox. Red Fox, for example, is usually less expensive than Platina Fox. Why? Well, the Red Fox is found all over the world; it’s ubiquitous. However, Platina Fox typically costs more than red fox because it’s only found in Norway, so reasonably rare.

The last major cost factor for fox is the quality of the piece. Coats and other garments manufactured in China are generally cheaper than those made in Europe. They often use remnants of previously used pelts to scrap together a cape or other garment instead of entire pelts.

As you can see, so many factors go into the price of a fox piece. However, you stand a better chance of finding an affordable fox coat than a mink or sable coat.

Most popular colors of fox fur.

When it comes to coloring, one of the most common colors for fox is a reddish-orange color. That’s because it’s the natural color of one of the most common furs – the red fox.

However, there are so many other colors of fox, whether natural or dyed. That makes it one of the best furs when it comes to color. You can get these pelts in just about any color you can imagine.

For the natural furs, you can find them in red, blue, black, and silver – or various combinations of these. While red, black, and silver look just like they sound, the blue isn’t a vibrant royal or sky blue; they’re grayer. So when you hear of a blue fox jacket, think of darker, bluish-gray fur.

But for those that have a vibrant personality, fox furs can be dyed to any color you can imagine—thinking of a bright red to match your Louboutin heels? How about a lush purple to go with your Hermes handbag? If you can imagine it, it can be made.

Fox fur is one of the most widely used and versatile furs in the fashion industry. The fur is known for its luxurious feel, durability, and excellent color that will not fade over time. You can find a whole range of items made from fox fur, including hats, boots, jackets, and vests, but it’s also common to see trimming on coats or other garments such as capes because of how fluffy they are.

Regardless of what you’re going for, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for with fox fur.

With winter upon us and the outdoor temperatures slowly dropping, you probably began hunting for the next coat that will keep you warm all season.

And, if you are concerned about your style, then a fur coat is probably at the top of your list. After all, nothing is more elegant and chic than a natural fur coat.

Before you jump in and purchase a fur coat, we’ve outlined a few considerations you should ponder first. These will help you make a better decision as whenever you purchase fur, you’re making a long-term investment.

Find a reputable furrier; they know their stuff!

You’ve probably seen “furs” at big box stores or other shops. Still, they also have many other items for sale, such as clothes made of different materials, purses, and various other accessories. That’s because they don’t specialize in fur coats and accessories.

These shops are great for casual apparel, but when you want luxury and quality, they don’t cut it.

On the other hand, a furrier or fur salon specializes in fur and works with it every day. They’re familiar with all of the characteristics of the different types of coats, the craftsmen that make the garments, and if they’re familiar with the maintenance and care of the furs.

If you want high quality with brazen luxury, then purchase a fur coat from someone that fur is all they do.

Find a fur that fits you and your budget.

The price of fur coats ranges from a couple of thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so be sure you find a piece that you can afford.

If money is immaterial and you can afford it, chinchilla is a solid option. Chinchilla fur is the most expensive fur in the world, but it’s also one of the softest. The fur is very different from other types because it has a distinctive sheen or shimmer, but the elegance is remarkable.

However, for that want style and glamour on a budget (relatively speaking), then mink or rabbit are great choices. Both are warm and soft but don’t have the chinchilla price tag. You can find jackets or coats made of mink or rabbit for under a couple of thousand dollars.

Regardless, be sure to find a fur that is suitable for you and your budget. Depending on the type of fur, the price range is significant, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Maintenance and upkeep of your fur.

One area we emphasize the most is the maintenance of your furs.

Maintaining a fur coat is essential for two reasons. The first reason is to keep it looking and functioning in tip-top condition. The second reason is to avoid long-term damage caused by the sun, water, and matted hair.

Before purchasing a high-end luxury fur coat, understand what is required to maintain the coat. Some furs are more resilient than others and require less upkeep, while others need constant care by a professional furrier.

Additionally, think about how you’ll store your furs in the warmer months when you’re not wearing them. You might be thinking you can hang it up in a closet, which is great for short-term storage, but the humidity levels and temperatures can damage the fur long-term. This is why we recommend professional storage by a fur salon, as they’ll keep the humidity levels around 45-50% and the temperature around 50°F.

Faux fur or real fur, know the difference and the quality.

If you’re not going to a furrier to purchase your coat (see our previous take on this), then be on the lookout for fake or faux furs. The fabricated piles sometimes look indistinguishable from the real deal, but a closer look will prove you wrong.

Real furs will have a more radiant look, texture, and natural colors that faux fur cannot replicate. This might be hard to tell from online photos, so make sure you get your hands on the coat or accessory and try it on.

As for the rich feel, you’re seeking, the faux fur doesn’t have a luxurious feel and has more of a coarse feel. If you’ve ever had a fur coat, you’ll know what we mean as there is no other feeling than real fur.

Vintage vs. new furs, old isn’t necessarily bad.

You might be tempted to head over to your local fur salon to see what they have in stock, but don’t neglect any vintage furs they may have on hand.

With the proper care and maintenance, a fur coat may last 50-60 years. So if you find a gorgeous mink stroller that meets your budget, don’t hesitate to try it on.

Sure, newer furs may be in touch with the latest styles and trends, which is crucial in itself; the older coats tend to have a touch of regal and class. If stored correctly and maintained by a professional furrier, the vintage fur may be of higher quality than newer fur.

Neither vintage nor newer furs are necessarily better than the other, but definitely, a consideration when purchasing a fresh coat or jacket.

If you’re considering buying a fur coat, it is vital to understand the different coats and their quality. Since not all furs are created equally, you’re going to see varying prices, styles, colors, and even faux furs on the market.

However, if you do your research before you purchase a fur coat and know what you’re looking for and where to get it, you’ll find the ideal piece that will grace your wardrobe for years to come.